San Antonio Economic & Workforce Committee Meeting - October 20, 2025

The Economic and Workforce Development Committee met on October 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Chair Villagrán, Councilmembers Galván, Spears, and Castillo present. The meeting covered approval of minutes, an interlocal agreement with Alamo Colleges, a resolution to extend the Ready to Work Advisory Board, interviews and appointments to the board, and an update on the community workforce strategic framework.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the last meeting were approved unanimously.
• Item 2 – Interlocal Agreement with Alamo Colleges: The committee approved an interlocal agreement allowing high school students to earn OSHA certifications. Councilmember Castillo expressed support and requested help connecting District 6 high schools to the program. Councilmember Galván asked how many participants have used the training. Staff committed to follow up with data.

Discussion Items

Item 3 – Ready to Work Advisory Board Extension Staff presented a resolution to extend the board’s term from December 2025 to 2028 and add one seat for higher education. Chair Villagrán expressed concerns about attendance, citing chronic no-shows. She proposed that members missing three consecutive meetings be removed and requested an attendance report after each meeting. Councilmember Castillo supported expanding categories (including a seat for individuals with high barriers) and praised councilmember Spears’ service. Councilmember Spears agreed on attendance concerns and shared positive experiences working with Castillo. A staff member clarified the added seat would be in the higher education category. Councilmember Galván noted the board was originally designed with strong employer representation and emphasized balance. The resolution passed unanimously.

Item 4 – Ready to Work Board Interviews Staff reported that 30 applications were submitted by the September 24 deadline; 25 were deemed eligible. One applicant (Gilbert Martínez) withdrew. Eight candidates were interviewed in two-minute presentations followed by questions from the committee.

• Alexandra Pérez (construction industry, 15 years’ experience): Recommended joint meetings for better attendance; emphasized supporting single mothers and connecting employers with workers. Supported reducing barriers like license renewal costs.
• Anthony García (former Ready to Work participant, now a recruiter for Alamo Solutions): Advocated for grassroots outreach in libraries, coffee shops, and community centers; emphasized building trust through transparency.
• Amanda Wright (current board member, administrative assistant at Witcare South Texas): Called for building trust with residents and employers; noted insufficient childcare slots despite available funds; stressed the importance of positive program reputation.
• Benjamin P. (regional member, administrator): Acknowledged a 59% employment placement rate but highlighted that 3,000+ people gained jobs with average salary increases from under $4,000 to over $23,000. Urged focus on positive metrics to counter negative press.
• María Sáenz (Workforce System Methodist): Proposed using employer partners like Methodist Health to recruit; suggested sharing success stories with the Chamber of Commerce. She stated that education can break generational poverty.
• Priscila Aguilar (Alamo Colleges District, operations): Emphasized communication and alignment between employer needs and training; stated that breaking the cycle of poverty requires supporting individuals one at a time.
• John Champion (educator at Southwest Texas State, Webster University): Highlighted barriers for IT students lacking experience; recommended increasing awareness of the program and improving access to childcare, healthcare, and services for single parents.

Following interviews, the committee entered executive session (12:08–12:31 PM) to discuss legal and confidential matters. After returning, Chair Villagrán thanked all candidates.

Item 5 – Community Workforce Strategic Framework Update Brenda (Director of Economic Development) provided a follow-up to September’s presentation. Staff have met with the mayor and most councilmembers; common themes include metrics, engagement of small business owners, and integration with anti-poverty efforts. A consultant will be selected, with multiple council and community engagement opportunities planned. The framework is expected to be finalized by spring 2026, with implementation by 2027.

Chair Villagrán raised concerns about the relocation of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) personnel and its impact on small businesses around Fort Sam Houston. She asked that the framework consider potential job losses and new industry incentives. Councilmember Galván seconded this, adding that revitalization policies should be included.

Councilmember Castillo requested that Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) and CCRs (Community Collaboration Agreements) be integrated into the framework, ensuring targets for hiring Ready to Work participants and people with criminal backgrounds. Staff responded that future policy discussions can incorporate these elements.

Councilmember Spears suggested looking ahead to 2026–2027 legislative sessions and proactively reaching out to state leaders.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments to Ready to Work Advisory Board (approved unanimously):

  • Alexandra Pérez – Communications Organization
  • Amanda Wright – Former Program Participant
  • Jennifer Cantu (listed among written statements)
  • Stephanie Gaines (listed among written statements)
  • Benjamin P. – Local Employer
  • María Sáenz – Local Employer
  • Priscila Aguilar – Higher Education (Alamo Colleges)
  • John Champion – Higher Education Terms run through May 31, 2026.

• Resolution to Extend Board passed unanimously.

• Strategic Framework – Staff continue outreach; final report expected spring 2026; implementation by 2027. The committee will consider impacts from military command relocation.

The meeting adjourned at 12:46 PM.